100 best albums of the 21st century, according to critics

Columbia Records Music has always played a role in helping to define cultural moments throughout history. Stacker set out to find the best albums of the 21st century, compiling data from Metacritic (as of October 2022). Albums were ranked according to their Metascore, which represents an aggregation of critic reviews. Only albums with seven or more reviews were eligible. EPs, box sets, reissues, and compilations were not considered. Some of Stacker’s findings–like country’s Ashley Monroe, Jamey Johnson, and the legendary Loretta Lynn–might get listeners to sing along or even forget about the outside world for a few minutes. Over in the realm of pure pop, Self Esteem’s latest album “Prioritise Pleasure” is being hailed as 45 minutes of melodic bliss. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s no shortage of music for getting angry and letting it all out. Listen for Napalm Death’s growling grindcore, Converge’s metalcore, Primal Scream’s punk electronica, Deafheaven’s black metal, and the sounds of Polish extreme metal band Behemoth that keep vexing authorities in its homeland. Discover artists who honor their predecessors who helped shape the world we live in today. Poet Jamila Woods offers thoughtful rhythm and blues portraits of legends like James Baldwin and Muddy Waters; Rapsody wrote songs for her heroes, from Sojourner Truth to Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey; and jazz composer Wadada Leo Smith honored 10 crucial years in the civil rights movement. Be transported far away by the West African sounds of Ali Farka Touré and Bassekou Kouyaté, or go back in time with Woody Guthrie’s recordings from the 1940s or a 1992 Nirvana concert in Britain. Then there’s the tempting option of just dancing, which many say is good for both body and soul. Give a listen to the hip-hop sounds of Missy Elliott, the pounding dubstep by Britain’s Burial, and Frank Ocean’s lively rhythm and blues, neo-soul, and pop collection. Read on for the 100 best albums of the 21st century, according to critics. You may also like: 50 best live albums of all time You may also like: Iconic music videos from your high school days #100. ‘Black Origami’ by Jlin Planet Mu – Metascore: 89 – Release date: May 19, 2017 Rhythm-driven and percussive, this is the second album by Gary, Indiana, producer Jlin. She describes her music as “origami, only I’m replacing paper with sound.” She attributes a big influence to her collaboration with dancer and movement artist Avril Stormy Unger. #99. ‘Sawayama’ by Rina Sawayama Dirty Hit. – Metascore: 89 – Release date: April 17, 2020 The debut nu-metal album by Japanese-British pop singer Rina Sawayama, released after a number of singles, is youthful and exuberant. It draws on racist and stereotyped comments made by recording executives, with the album’s lead song pulling no punches. #98. ‘RTJ4’ by Run the Jewels BMG Rights Management – Metascore: 89 – Release date: June 3, 2020 The fourth album by rap duo Run The Jewels explores themes of oppression, police violence, and systemic racism, mixing feelings of rage with solidarity. The musical pair consists of politically outspoken rapper Killer Mike of Atlanta and Brooklyn rapper, producer, and remixer El-P. Also appearing on the album are R&B’s Mavis Staples and Pharell. #97. ‘Bloodmoon: I’ by Converge Epitaph Records – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Nov. 19, 2021 Metalcore band Converge crafted their 10th studio album in collaboration with musicians Chelsea Wolfe, Ben Chisholm, and Steve Brodsky. The result is a multilayered masterpiece with symphonic components and experimental dirges. Three separate lead vocalists lend their powerful pipes to the title track. #96. ‘Miss E… So Addictive’ by Missy Elliott Elektra – Metascore: 89 – Release date: May 15, 2001 Missy Elliott’s “Miss E… So Addictive” is a party album of electronic dance music. Making guest appearances on the hip-hop star’s album are Ludacris, Eve, Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Mo, and Jay-Z. #95. ‘HoboSapiens’ by John Cale David LEFRANC/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Sept. 7, 2004 Welsh avant-garde rocker John Cale was a founder of the influential 1960s band Velvet Underground, which also included singer and guitarist Lou Reed. The title of “HoboSapiens” comes from an essay, never published, that Cale wrote about Bob Dylan. #94. ‘Apex Predator – Easy Meat’ by Napalm Death Century Media Records – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Jan. 27, 2015 This is the 15th album by the British band Napalm Death, whose grindcore sound is visceral and violent. Dissonant, guttural, and shrill, the tracks include “Cesspits,” “Dear Slum Landlord,” and “Metaphorically Screw You.” The band founded in 1981 in Birmingham, England, is considered the founder of the extreme metal sound. #93. ‘LEGACY! LEGACY!’ by Jamila Woods Jagjaguwar – Metascore: 89 – Release date: May 10, 2019 Chicago poet, singer, and songwriter Jamila Woods mixes political commentary with rhythm and blues on “LEGACY! LEGACY!” Each song is a tribute to and portrait of a legend–James Baldwin, Eartha Kitt, Muddy Waters, Zora Neale Hurston, and others. #92. ‘Modern Times’ by Bob Dylan Columbia Records – Metascore: 89 – Release date: August 29, 2006 “Modern Times” was the 32nd studio album by the American icon Bob Dylan, who produced it himself under the name Jack Frost. He plays guitar, keyboard, and harmonica on the album, which is considered part of a set with his albums “Time Out of Mind” and “Love and Theft.” #91. ‘Kiwanuka’ by Michael Kiwanuka Interscope – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Nov. 1, 2019 The mournful, lilting “Kiwanuka” is Londoner Michael Kiwanuka’s third album. His song “Cold Little Heart” from an earlier album will be instantly recognizable to fans of HBO’s “Big Little Lies” as the theme song of the hit miniseries. #90. ‘Eternity, In Your Arms’ by Creeper Roadrunner Records – Metascore: 89 – Release date: March 24, 2017 “Eternity, in Your Arms” was the long-awaited full-length debut album by the English punk band Creeper after years of touring and extended play releases. To build momentum ahead of the album release, the band staged a treasure hunt, laying clues for fans to follow in their hometown of Southampton. #89. ‘Honey’ by Robyn Kyle Gustafson / For The Washington Post via Getty Images – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Oct. 26, 2018 “Honey” was the sixth solo album by the Swedish pop star Robyn. The single “Honey” created buzz when it was played during the credits of an episode of television’s “Girls” final season. Robyn has designed a limited-edition clothing collection for tennis star Björn Borg’s fashion company. #88. ‘Since I Left You’ by The Avalanches Modular Recordings – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Nov. 6, 2001 The Avalanches from Melbourne, Australia, put together more than 900 music samples on “Since I Left You.” Their genre, using bits of existing sounds and music to weave a new creation, has been dubbed plunderphonics. #87. ‘Neon Golden’ by The Notwist City Slang – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Feb. 25, 2003 The Notwist mixes indie rock, pop, and electronica on its sixth album, “Neon Golden.” The German band features vocalist and guitarist Markus Acher and his brother Micha, who plays bass and horns. #86. ‘Rounds’ by Four Tet Domino Recording Co – Metascore: 89 – Release date: May 6, 2003 “Rounds” by England’s electronic musician and producer Kieran Hebden, who records under the name Four Tet, is made up entirely of music samples. He recorded it in his London apartment using a home computer and a standard hi-fi system. #85. ‘RTJ2′ by Run the Jewels Mass Appeal – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Oct. 27, 2014 “RTJ2” was named the best hip-hop album of the year by Rolling Stone. After jokingly promising they would make a remix using cat sounds if enough customers pre-ordered, fans complied, and Run the Jewels’ Killer Mike and El-P came out with “Meow the Jewels.” #84. ‘Like a Rose’ by Ashley Monroe Warner Bros. Nashville – Metascore: 89 – Release date: March 5, 2013 The second album by Knoxville, Tennessee’s Ashley Monroe has all the earmarks of classic country, with songs about loneliness, heartbreak, betrayal, and lost love. It was co-produced by country megastar Vince Gill. Monroe is part of the vocal trio Pistol Annies, with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley. #83. ‘The Dusk in Us’ by Converge Epitaph Records – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Nov. 3, 2017 The ninth album by metalcore’s Converge, “The Dusk in Us” moves beyond the personal betrayals and despair of the band’s earlier work into broader looks at police brutality, war, and violence. A stand-out is “Arkhipov Calm,” drawn from the story of Soviet Naval officer Vasili Arkhipov, who refused to fire nuclear weapons from a submarine in 1962 and helped keep the Cuban missile crisis from blowing up into an all-out war. #82. ‘St. Vincent’ by St. Vincent Loma Vista – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Feb. 25, 2014 American singer-songwriter St. Vincent, aka Texan Annie Clark, toured with Sufjan Stevens before setting out on her own in 2006. Her fifth album won the guitarist and vocalist a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. #81. ‘I Love You Jennifer B’ by Jockstrap Rough Trade – Metascore: 89 – Release date: Sept. 9, 2022 On the heels of the 2020 EP “Wicked City,” U.K.-based musical duo Jockstrap presents their studio album debut. It features occasional backing from an 18-piece orchestra and spans multiple genres without losing a sense of focus. Pitchfork dubbed it some of the Best New Music of 2022 in their 8.4/10 review. #80. ‘Z’ by My Morning Jacket ATO Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Oct. 4, 2005 “Z” is a pop-rock collection by My Morning Jacket. The guitar, keyboards, and vocals reflect their rural jam-band and church-music roots in Louisville, Kentucky. #79. ‘Spaces’ by Nils Frahm Erased Tapes Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Nov. 19, 2013 “Spaces” is a collection of live recordings by Berlin’s composer and pianist Nils Frahm. Some of the works were made on reel-to-reel recorders and cassette decks, accented with the sounds of audiences coughing, cell phones ringing, and the banging of a toilet brush on piano strings. #78. ‘XTRMNTR’ by Primal Scream Creation Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: May 2, 2000 Primal Scream, a punk electronica band hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, pulled from techno garage rock and the dreamy reverb-laden genre of shoegaze in creating “XTRMNTR.” The collection is heavy on percussion and political diatribes. #77. ‘græ’ by Moses Sumney Jagjaguwar – Metascore: 90 – Release date: May 15, 2020 Singer-songwriter Moses Sumney released his second studio album, “græ,” as a double album: The first part was digitally released in February and the complete project was released three months later in May. Singles from “græ” include “Virile,” “Polly,” “Me in 20 Years,” “Cut Me,” and “Bless Me.” #76. ‘Untrue’ by Burial Hyperdub – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Nov. 6, 2007 “Untrue” is an album of electronic dance club and rave music by Britain’s Burial. It’s considered a top album in the genre of dubstep, a London-born sound heavy on drums, bass, and synthesizers. #75. ‘Psychodrama’ by Dave Neighbourhood – Metascore: 90 – Release date: March 8, 2019 “Psychodrama” was the debut album by Dave, a South London rapper whose full name is David Orobosa Omoregie. The concept album is based on the style of psychotherapy that utilizes patient roleplay and features sections of spoken words. Part of the song “Drama” is a recorded conversation with his brother, who is serving a life sentence in prison for murder. #74. ‘Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty’ by Big Boi Universal Music – Metascore: 90 – Release date: July 6, 2010 “Sir Lucious Left Foot” marked the debut solo rap and funk album of Outkast’s Big Boi. Outkast’s label Jive would not allow Big Boi’s partner Andre 3000 from the popular hip-hop duo to appear on the album. #73. ‘Jama Ko’ by Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba Out Here Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: April 2, 2013 “Jama Ko” was the third album by Mali’s Bassekou Kouyaté and his band Ngoni Ba. His sons Moustafa and Mamadou play ngonis, traditional West African lutes, and American blues artist Taj Mahal adds vocals to the album. #72. ‘London Zoo’ by The Bug Ninja Tune – Metascore: 90 – Release date: August 12, 2008 The sounds of dub, dance music, reggae, and grime come together on “London Zoo,” by The Bug, aka producer Kevin Martin. Aptly named tracks include “Angry,” “Insane,” and “Too Much Pain.” #71. ‘Holy Hell’ by Architects Epitaph Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Nov. 9, 2018 The eighth studio album by the metal band Architects, “Holy Hell” is the first without one of its founders, Tom Searle, a guitarist and lyricist who died of cancer in 2016. His twin brother Dan Searle, the band’s drummer, said the album was about coping with, living with, and learning from pain. You may also like: Lyrics to 60 famously misunderstood songs, explained #70. ‘Funeral’ by Arcade Fire Legacy – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Sept. 14, 2004 “Funeral” was the debut album by Montreal’s indie-rock band Arcade Fire, featuring husband and wife artists Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. The name and emotional sound derived from the number of family members of the band who had recently died and were remembered in its liner notes. #69. ‘Alice’ by Tom Waits Anti- – Metascore: 90 – Release date: May 7, 2002 “Alice” is a collection of 15 songs that Tom Waits and his wife Kathleen Brennan wrote for an avant-garde opera of the same name. The story was loosely based on the relationship between author Lewis Carroll and the girl who was his muse for “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” Waits called the tunes “adult songs for children, or children’s songs for adults.” #68. ‘Candi Staton’ by Candi Staton Honest Jons Records – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Feb. 24, 2004 “Candi Staton” consists of 26 tracks by the soul singer recorded from 1969 to 1973, when she was recording southern R&B at the Muscle Shoals studio. The album includes her versions of Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man,” and “In the Ghetto,” first recorded by Elvis Presley. Raised as a gospel singer, Staton is known for her 1976 disco hit “Young Hearts Run Free.” #67. ‘Original Pirate Material’ by The Streets VICE/Atlantic – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Oct. 22, 2002 The debut album by The Streets, a music project led by British rapper Mike Skinner, “Original Pirate Material” fused street poetry, hip-hop, grime, and house music. It has an everyman sound chronicling English working-class life. #66. ‘Send Them To Coventry [Mixtape]’ by Pa Salieu Pa Salieu – Metascore: 90 – Release date: Nov. 13, 2020 British hip-hop artist Pa Salieu draws upon his turbulent North Coventry upbringing on this acclaimed debut mixtape. Wrangling in a slew of different producers and collaborators, it synergizes various musical subgenres. U.K.-based Dazed Magazine named it their favorite album of 2020. You may also like: One hit wonders of the 1960s #65. ‘Punisher’ by Phoebe Bridgers Dead Oceans – Metascore: 90 – Release date: June 18, 2020 Critics described Phoebe Bridgers’ second solo album, “Punisher” as candid, multi-dimensional, and honest. Praised for its lyricism, the emo-folk project, which was released in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a hit with listeners, too, many of whom connected with the strong, emotional vibe of the record. #64. ‘Eve’ by Rapsody